The Germanic tribes who invaded Gaul, what is today France, after the collapse of Roman rule in the 5c; particularly successful was Clovis I during the years 484-507. Their dynasty was named Merovingian, which lasted until the 8C, when it was displaced by the Carolingians under Pepin. They gave their name to France. They were so named after their favoured weapon, OldEngl. franca = a javelin.
Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases. Christopher Coredon with Ann Williams.